I was speaking to one of my clients on the phone this evening and she informed me that another (former) client of mine passed away last night. My initial thought was, wait a minute, I talked to him just last evening. Well, sure enough, she spoke the truth. I heard he was in the hospital and I wanted to call and check on him. He very weakly told me he couldn't talk. That was at 7:45pm. He passed shortly thereafter. Wow.
I am fortunate enough that some of my clients (past and present) are still in relatively good health, so I take for granted the good days I have with all of them. I feel that care giving is not only helping someone to live well, it is also enhancing their life. Being a caregiver I have lost several previous clients. I mourn them all, in some special way. Whether it be a song, saying prayers or rosaries for them, whatever the case may be. I have to keep in mind that if I get too close to any of them emotionally, it may effect my job with them as a provider of care. I like to say I stay at arms-length. If I am really being honest, it is closer than that! I love them all.
Being a caregiver, at times like this, hurts. That's to be expected. If I didn't care at all, I wouldn't be a good caregiver.
I only hope that I have given them each something special in my time with them, a blessing to take with them. It also reinforces what I will do and how to better care for my current clients.
I have been touched by each one of the people I have given care to, and will continue to do so. I carry blessings from each of them in the lessons they have taught me and special things they have shared.
For any and all of my care giving friends, you know exactly what I am talking about, nothing held back. We love them, they love us. It doesn't get any more special than that.
Now, off to say that special rosary, for my special client and friend.
Love to all...
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